According to CNN Chile, the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) found that Barros Luco Trudeau Modular Field Hospital No. 2, purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic, has remained in storage in a warehouse in San Miguel since October 2021.
The finding is part of final special investigation report No. 212. In it, the oversight body confirmed that the 565 assets making up the hospital remain in storage, with those responsible yet to decide on their use, reuse, reassignment or transfer.
The structure cost nearly $3 billion and has capacity for 100 patients. It includes 10 inpatient shelters, bathrooms and the equipment needed to operate, such as stretchers, hospital beds and medical instruments.
The Undersecretariat for Healthcare Networks transferred the hospital to the South Metropolitan Health Service (SSMS), the public network serving municipalities in southern Santiago. The CGR reviewed its condition, use and safekeeping.
According to the report cited by the outlet, the "inaction and lack of management by the SSMS" caused the assets to lose value between 2022 and 2026. The Comptroller's Office estimated that loss at more than $859 million.
For that amount, the CGR will file a recovery claim against the SSMS, an action to demand repayment of the funds. It also instructed the service to begin disciplinary proceedings to determine potential administrative responsibility.
The inspection also found weaknesses in the control, accounting records and traceability of the assets. In addition, the warehouse has structural deficiencies, including a sinkhole in the pavement right where the equipment is stored.
That damage affects the preservation of the material and limits safe access to all storage areas. The Comptroller's Office itself shared the finding on X, posting that the hospital has been "left piled up" since 2021.
After receiving the findings, the SSMS said it would design and implement a repair plan. The news report does not include a response from the Ministry of Health. The service has 60 working days to correct the control problems and report progress on the measures to the Comptroller's Office.
